The Jews always continued to be in enmity with the Muslims and some of the Jews even indulged in serious acts of treachery against Mohammed. These imminent threats and attacks from them were anticipated by Mohammed. Finally, he was compelled to lead the army to Kaiber, where the Jews had built several forts to prevent Muslims. However, they could not effectively resist the advance of the Muslim army and the forts were captured one by one by the Muslims. Ultimately they surrendered. The request that the Jews had to leave Kaiber was permitted by Mohammed. They agreed to give a share of their crops to Muslims.
Mohammed decided to return to Medina. At that time the Jews at Wadil Quara had started attacking Muslims but they were forced to surrender to the Muslim army. Ultimately they entered into a treaty with Mohammed. The Jews of Thaima also came forward and then entered into a treaty with Mohammed. Though the Jews in Kaiber surrendered, they were eagerly waiting for an opportunity to revenge, though apparently peace was restored on signing the treaty. A Jewish lady by name Sainab, the wife of a Jewish leader namely Salam Ibn Mishkam, presented a baked goat to Mohammed. Mohammed and his companions sat in a circle for eating this baked goat. Mohammed took a piece, just chewed and experienced bitter taste. He therefore spat it out. In Mohammed’s company one of his followers namely Bishr bin Bavau was also there. He took a piece and ate it. Mohammed said that the baked goat contained poison. Bisher who consumed the baked goat died. Sainab said that she wanted to test if Mohammed was a genuine prophet for if he is genuine he should know that otherwise nuisance ended.
Among the historians there are differences in opinion regarding the treatment Mohammed meted out to Sainab. Majority of them say that Mohammed set them free. But a few historians say that for killing a man by poisoning, she was given death punishment. The cruelty done by Sainab created frustration in the minds of the Muslims and they considered the Jews quite unworthy.
Justice P K Shamsuddin
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